Arkansas Tech University’s Fishing Team is kicking off its spring season in a different way. Instead of members using their finely honed flipping techniques to flip their favorite lures under docks and other low structures, they will be flipping pancakes today.

Stoby’s Restaurant on Parkway Drive is the place to be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today to enjoy all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts served up by members of the ATU Fishing Team. Their adviser, Christy Austin, said there may be more than batter and syrup flying around in the kitchen.

“These anglers are so competitive, I have a feeling I may witness pancakes flying through the air,” she said. “Our anglers are excited to have the opportunity to visit with everyone who can come out to support them. What better way than over warm pancakes, sausage and coffee?”

Anglers, with the help of Stoby’s employees, will cook and serve customers during the club’s first fundraiser of the season. Austin said proceeds will go toward travel expenses for team members who will attend several national events and gain points for the 2013 school of the year race, won by Arkansas Tech in 2012.

“We appreciate Stoby’s giving us and many other groups around our area such a great fundraising opportunity,” Austin said.

Evan Smith of Mansfield leads the team’s angler of the year standings as the spring fishing season begins. Adam Zimmerman of North Little Rock and Taylor Morten of Lisle, Ill., are tied for second. Evan Barnes of Dardy is in third, followed by Ryan Dorsett of Woodlawn in fourth, then Aaron Sarna of Sherwood, Sawyer Grace and Nathan Cathcart, both of Russellville, all tied for fifth place. T.J. Miller of Greenbrier is sixth in the standings.

Austin explained team members will be awarded points for community service and educational opportunities this year — more motivation for them to get involved with young anglers and other community organizations.

Among the national events ATU Fishing Team will participate in are at Lake Amistad, in Texas, Table Rock in Missouri and Toledo Bend in Louisiana, to name a few.

The team’s spring qualifiers in the state are Lake Ouachita on Feb. 3; Lake Dardanelle on Feb. 17; Lake Nimrod on March 17; and Austin’s secret lake on April 14.